A£C Research and Development Report-ACSTRICTED'WrA This document contains restricted data as defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. Its transmittal or the disclosure of its contents in ony manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited. Thij. &t\n!mrtttittnn\n\nU^f,tfttijltnt}n\ ttrjjjj-ifTrri Data relatiKg'to cfViliiuvapplicatiortr^T atomic energy.
The SNAP 8 reactor is a heat source suitable for long-endurance 10-to 50-kw space electric power supplies. Two tests have demonstrated its feasibility: the SNAP 8 Experimental Reactor (S8ER) and the SNAP 8 Developmental Reactor Mockup (S8DRM-1). The S8ER demonstrated stable long-term operation of the reactor core and reflector. During 500 days of nuclear operation, it operated one year in the power range 400 to 600 kwt with a 1300°F coolant outlet temperature and continuously for over 5000 hr. Post-test examination revealed cracks in ~80% of the cladding tubes, the cause of which is being investigated. Automatic control system performance and structural capabilities of the reactor design were verified in nonnuclear testing of the S8DRM-1. The reactor and shield design is summarized for manned and unmanned space applications. Curves are provided, allowing spacecraft designers to estimate shield weight for both applications rapidly as a function of pay load diameter, payload separation distance, dose rate for manned applications, and total dose for unmanned applications. The design approach to high reliability is described.
This document contains restricted data as defined in the Atomic Energy Act of 19S4. Its transmittal or the disclosure of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized p«fSon it prohibited. This dofitrtient contains ConridentPal-Restricted Data relating f&cjjrilian applications of atomic energy.
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